The Ali Joda band prepares for their concert at the Ziggurat of Ur in southern Iraq, April 1. This concert was open to the Iraqi public and allowed them an opportunity to see the Ziggurat up close. Photo by Spc. Creighton Holub

Jazz, the only musical style that is truly American, has been played in many odd and unusual places. None more unusual than this concert venue, the 5,000 year old Ziggurat of Ur.

The smooth sounds of keyboard, drums and saxophone echoed off the walls of the 5,000 year old Ziggurat of Ur at a concert, April 1.

“This concert is because of all of you,” said Dr. Anne Prouse, the Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team leader, as she stood on the stage in front of more than 200 Iraqi and coalition forces. “Iraqi citizens, the Iraqi army and the rest of the coalition forces are the reason why this is happening today.”

Prouse and her PRT assisted the Iraqi security forces, coalition forces and Dhaif Muhsen, the Ziggurat curator, to plan the event. The musical event showcased the Ali Joda band from Iraq and the Alvin and Atkinson Jazz Band from America.

“In some other countries in the world, like Egypt or Jordan, they depend on tourism,” said Muhsen. “This is a good thing and I hope that Iraq can depend on its tourism using places like the Ziggurat.”

The Ali Joda band started the night by performing some of their internationally known music, which was played worldwide, including at the White House. After a standing ovation, America’s Alvin Atkinson Jazz Band took the stage.

“It was wonderful to see the [Iraqi citizens] united through music,” said Lt. Col. Mark Nelson, the deputy commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “They were able to sample a short, yet enjoyable moment of normalcy during this cultural event.”

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Story by Pfc. Rebekah Lampman